Naturally I've reported everything to the Police, and whilst we're all agreed it's somewhat of a long shot 'getting-them-back', a glimmer of hope is held that my bike may be retrieved given its outrageously 'out-there' showy nature...

Sue, thats a rotten thing to happen and must be leaving you with a bad feeling.I always fear this and keep spare bikes but its no good loosing your favourite.I've been beaten to the philosophical response. That it might mean that we are developing a bike concious culture. Beautiful bikes like yours are no longer on junk piles here.I am sure we will all keep our eyes open for anything.

This is appalling news. You will have read that the same thing happened to Mikhael Colville-Andersen recently. The power of social media brought his Bullitt bike back to him so you never know. You have quite a following.

I think Paul's comment is interesting though - who would have thought that a utility bike would have been stolen only a few years ago? You couldn't even find them in shops anywhere in Australia practically.

I am so sorry to read about your loss. I saw your post on sydney cyclst and saw the link to here. I have seen you riding around Newtown before and remember your bike. I will keep my eyes peeled for it and hope they are found.

Everybody, your remarks have made me feel so much better!!!! - thank you - and thanks for keeping an eye out whether in Newtown / Sydney / Melbourne / Cyberland - just brilliant & maybe...?!!!!...you never know...they or one might turn up (& if it can only be one, please let it be mine!!!)

...& Gazelle Paul, that is so lovely - thank you - I may take you up!!

I know i'd be more than a little upset if anyone took my girl. I'm going to be very careful where i lock mine up from now on... Also I have to say i'll be more than a little concerned about being mistaken for a bike thief, what with our twin bikes! :)

Oh Sue! I'm coming late to the party here, but I'm so sorry to hear your news. Make sure you keep on at the Police - they do need to follow this up. Print out the pictures and take them round all the local bike shops to notify them of what your bikes are like in case someone tries to sell them to you.There used to be a guy who sometimes sold stolen second hand bikes by the basketball courts on Dowling Street in Woolamaloo (This was about 4 years ago mind!) Might be worth a walkabout, or go check out wherever stolen bikes are sold at market these days.Tell all your friends, keep blogging and tweeting about it and hopefully someone will spot your bikes - they're pretty hot stuff so hopefully easy to spot and difficult to sell on. Good luck!

Thanks, Mark! - yes we were gutted, & now I find myself checking all black bikes and white bikes with or without riders! Good advice re popping into police and checking up on any progress!

...needless to mention the 3 of is have had to get replacements because there's no way we could manage without them - all very tedious & unnecessary - still as one of my mates said 'just think there'll be 6 bikes on the road now instead of 3'!!

Wow good description if they end up here in Redfern (not a comment on race but a real possibility , will take to Nick or Adam at Cheeky Transport , great idea blogging better than a thousand "stolen " signs Adam Dot. East Sydney Cycle Tech